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23 February 2018

Two local schools win the race to study PE

Two local schools in Clondalkin and Lucan are among the 80 secondary schools nationwide, to be part of the first phase of implementation of Physical Education (PE) for Senior Cycle programmes.

Local Fine Gael TD Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the news saying: “I am delighted that Coláiste Cois Life in Lucan and Deansrath Community College in Clondalkin are included in the pilot scheme for schools to study Physical Education at Senior Cycle. This means local students could be among the first in the country to take the Leaving Cert exam in PE.”

80 schools will implement either the examinable Physical Education Leaving Certificate subject or the new Senior Cycle Physical Education Framework which is not for examination, or both. It will be rolled out to all schools across the country from 2020 so all students will benefit from this before too long.

“As a mum of three boys and former Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I know the importance sport in our young people’s lives, so I am delighted that PE is now being piloted in our local schools for Senior Cycle. Physical activity is healthy for our overall wellbeing, not just in terms of fitness but also offers great mental stimulation. Participation in sports is also fantastic for developing a person’s confidence and team work skills. As your local TD I want to support families and communities across Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart and Brittas to make healthy choices.

“Students taking the new Leaving Certificate subject from September 2018 will sit the first Leaving Certificate Physical Education (LCPE) exam in 2020. The subject can be taken at both higher and ordinary levels. The new Senior Cycle Physical Education (SCPE) Framework, will provide a new modern curriculum for teachers to teach PE to all students at senior cycle.

“The assessment process will have 20% towards a physical activity project; 30% to performance assessment and 50% to a written examination.

“This announcement is part of the overall Government focus on encouraging healthy living and is also a key commitment in the Action Plan for Education, which aims to make Ireland’s education and training system the best in Europe by 2026.”